MASTERS NATIONAL INTER COUNTY RESULT

After the Devon County team’s great performance in retaining the Regional Shield on the 14th November at Millfield, their points were put forward for inclusion in the National Intercounty event.  When the national positions were revealed Devon placed a creditable 6th.

It was an excellent team performance and there were many national podium positions secured by individual swimmers and team relays.

Simon Veale had an exceptionally successful meet. In the 65 yrs + age group he secured 3 national first places in  freestyle (28.76), backstroke (32.99) and butterfly (31.65).

Both in the freestyle and backstroke, he was close to breaking British records for his age group. Kalon Veale also gained a first  place in the 25 yrs + backstroke (26.13) and frustratingly, he was even closer to creating a new British record.

Those who gained second places in the national table were: 

Matt Henry, in the 25 yrs + freestyle (23.70)  and  Kalon Veale in the 18 yrs + backstroke, (26.42)

Devon also had five individual swimmers placing third nationally. 

These were,  Zoe Cawsey in the 18 yrs +  butterfly (28.64),  Kate Veale 55 yrs +  backstroke (36.98),   Neal Taylor 35 yrs + freestyle (25.23),  Matt Henry 18 yrs + breaststroke (29.36),  Hollie Steer 18 yrs + breaststroke (34.20) and Kalon Veale 18 yrs +  butterfly (25.67).

Rebecca Jenkinson and Warren Barrett were both unlucky to miss out on a third  place spot in their events with both swimmers gaining  two 4th places. 

Many other swimmers  gained top 10 places with their swims. 

They were …….. Pete Hayward, Christa Page, Rob Will, Zoe Cawsey, Mags Bickley, Nigel Travers -Griffin, Graham Cridland, Katie Yardley, John Holding, Tom Hughes, Charlie Smith, Dominic Garros, Kim Berry, John Paul Davies and Katie Townsend.

In the relay events, Devon also had several podium places:

Women 072+ years medley (Zoe Cawsey, Hollie Steer, Jess Bickley and Katie Townsend)      2nd

Men 072 yrs + medley    (Kalon Veale, Matt Henry, John Paul Davies and Michael Cuddihee)    2nd

Mens 100 yrs + medley team  (Kalon Veale, Tom Hughes, Matt Henry and Neal Taylor)   3rd

Womens 72 yrs + freestyle team (Hollie Steer, Jess Bickley, Zoe Cawsey and Katie Townsend)    3rd

Mens 72 yrs +  freestyle team  (Matt Henry, Kalon Veale, Neal Taylor and John Paul Davis)   3rd

Well done to all who took part.

SUE HAIGH